As a software company we’re constantly striving to find that “right-fit” – something that builds in all the important complexities of budgeting yet seems effortless and simple.

In order to make a software solution that truly excels in usability – we have to match the needs, style, and thought-processes of our customer’s organizational and budgeting culture. (In our case, hopefully, someone like you!) In marketing we call it the “persona” – in sales it’s the “ideal customer”. Whatever you call it – if it’s not a good fit it’s painful and costly for everyone.

What’s your organization’s budgeting persona – or your culture and approach to budgeting? Here are a few thoughts to get you started!

Employees should: — Have ownership and accountability for their numbers — Participate within limits set by finance — Be banned from the budgeting process

The budget is: — Mission-critical – part of the strategic plan — A “guesstimate” based on last year’s actuals — Something only finance cares about

The final budget numbers are: — Accurate plus or minus a small percentage — In the general ballpark — Wrong as soon as they are posted

Forecasting is: — Based on planned expenses and revenue — Just a percentage of actual expenditures — Too complex, we don’t bother

We believe employee engagement in the budget process ensures the most informed and realistic numbers, which results in a more accurate final budget – ensuring a strong fiscal foundation to achieve your strategic goals.

Clients

XLerant provides cloud-based budgeting, forecasting and reporting solutions designed with easy to use interfaces that make a complex process accessible for finance teams and budget managers alike. XLerant's software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions serve small to mid-size enterprises who value collaborative environments as an effective way to engage employees and achieve their strategic objectives. The company's premier product, BudgetPak, has been recognized for outstanding usability, quick implementation and exceptional support. Engage. Empower. Achieve.